Before the construction of the bridge, the Chao Phraya River was crowded with huge ocean-going steamers, cargo ships, and passenger ships passing up river to the port in the north of Bangkok. After completion of the bridge, the port was moved to the south at Bangkok Port, also known as Khlong Toei Port.
Characteristics
The bridge was designed with a large gap between opposing traffic directions to accommodate the canceled Lavalin Skytrain system. The disused foundations were eventually adapted for the BTS Skytrain,[1] with train services across the bridge beginning on 5 December 1999.[2][3][4]